Kate Middleton was born on January 9, 1982 and is celebrating her 40th birthday today. The Duchess of Cambridge looks every bit the future Queen, wearing minimal make-up with her hair styled in side-swept curls. In the images, she modelled three incredible gowns designed by Alexander McQueen, one of her favourite designer houses who, of course, designed her wedding dress.
In one picture, the Duchess smiled at the camera wearing a one-shoulder red dress with a statement puffy sleeve.
This was the ‘Asymmetric Draped sleeve Anemone print dress’ from Alexander McQueen which retails currently at £3,450.
In a sweet tribute to the Queen, Kate wore Her Majesty’s diamond earrings, which she has been pictured in on multiple occasions throughout the years.
Two other black and white snaps showed Kate wearing her late mother-in-law Diana, Princess of Wales’ pearl drop earrings.
They were originally a wedding gift to Diana from Collingwood Jewellers, the family jewellers of the Spencer family. Kate was first spotted wearing them at the Spanish State Banquet in 2017.
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A close-up image of Kate showed her in a white dress with a ruffled shoulder.
Meanwhile the third photo was a side profile shot of the Duchess, this time in a flowing white gown.
Royal fans absolutely went crazy for the new images of Kate in celebration of this massive milestone.
Twitter user @UKRoyalTea posted: “These images to celebrate #KateAt40 are both timeless and refreshingly modern. For all of the comparisons being made, I think the Duchess of Cambridge managed to pull references while also making this indelibly personal and a reflection of who she is.”
Another royal fan, @nyprinsessa, commented saying: “Sublime Queen Catherine! Speechless! Happy Birthday Your Royal Highness! You are absolutely exquisitely beautiful human, inside and out! #CatherineAt40.”
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Twitter user @kirstinferguson said: “This new image of Duchess of Cambridge is almost otherworldly. Remarkable photography by #PaoloRoversi.”
Royal fan @Solidmoonlight commented on Kate’s style saying: “Love the dropped waist gathering with the bow and the texture of the fabric.”
The portraits of Kate were taken at Kew Gardens in November by famed fashion photographer Paolo Roversi, and they will enter the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery, of which Kate is patron, when it reopens in 2023.
Paolo said: “Taking the portrait of Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cambridge, was a true honour for me, and a moment of pure joy. I was moved by her warmth and friendly welcome and enchanted by her shining eyes that reflected the loveliness of her soul and her smile showing the generosity of her heart.”
He adds: “It was a profound and rich experience for me, an unforgettable moment. I have met a wonderful person, a person who, with her positive energy, can bring hope to the whole world.”
The images also feature as part of the gallery’s Coming Home project this year, which is a nationwide initiative that sees portraits of well-known individuals being sent to locations with which they are closely associated with.
The shots of Kate will be displayed in three places that have a special meaning to her – Berkshire, St Andrews and Anglesey.
Berkshire is where the Duchess grew up, St Andrews is where she studied at university and met Prince William, and Anglesey is where Kate and William lived for a few years in the early days of their marriage.
